Interface - Comunicação, Saúde, Educação
Print version ISSN 1414-3283
NASCIMENTO, Paulo Roberto do and ZIONI, Fabiola. The Brazilian unified national health system as an observatory for universal rights: a reflection based on the social sciences1. Interface (Botucatu) [online]. 2010, vol.5Selected edition, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1414-3283.
The bibliography on the crisis of modernity is wide-ranging. One particular school of thought takes the view that various pillars of modern social life are under threat: among them the achievements represented by universal rights. The public health literature also points out that the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) is a development going against the worldwide movement towards flexibilization of these rights. The principles of universality and comprehensiveness not only constitute an institutional, financial, political and social challenge, but also express society's decision to implement universal rights. We have used Souza Santos's theoretical instrument to characterize SUS as an observatory regarding effective application of these rights. Institutional remodeling and democratic deliberations for establishing a social contract emerge again as matters of importance.
Keywords : National Health System; Social contract; Human rights.